Why It Matters
Federal watchdogs have tracked more than 17,000 unresolved recommendations to improve government operations but generally cannot compel agencies to implement them. A new Congressional Research Service (CRS) report examines how Congress can use those recommendations to strengthen oversight, press agencies for corrective action, and identify potential legislation.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) lists more than 5,000 open recommendations, roughly 450 classified as "priority." The Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) tracks more than 12,000 open recommendations across federal offices of inspector general (OIGs), including more than 50 priority recommendations. The report identifies three potential congressional uses, including identifying issues for oversight hearings, encouraging agency implementation, and pursuing legislation when statutory barriers prevent corrective action.
The Big Picture
GAO and OIGs operate under distinct statutory frameworks. GAO derives its authority from 31 U.S.C. §§ 712 and 717, which authorize investigations and evaluations of government activities. Under 31 U.S.C. § 720, agency heads receiving GAO recommendations must submit written statements describing actions taken or planned to specified congressional committees.
OIGs operate under the Inspector General Act of 1978, which directs them to recommend improvements in economy and efficiency and submit semiannual reports to Congress identifying significant recommendations for which corrective action remains incomplete. Agencies generally have opportunities to review and respond before watchdog reports are published. When agencies disagree, GAO and inspectors general typically include their responses in final reports, allowing Congress to evaluate competing perspectives.
A September GAO report on federal drug scheduling illustrates different recommendations. One directed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner to develop policies for conducting eight-factor abuse-potential evaluations. Another directed the FDA commissioner and National Institutes of Health director to update their memorandum of understanding to reflect current procedures and require regular review.
Congress also directs GAO studies through legislation. In 2020, P.L. 116-187 required the comptroller general to study Department of Veterans Affairs disability and pension benefits for National Guard members and Armed Forces reservists. GAO published the study in 2023. GAO may initiate investigations or evaluations independently, at the direction of either chamber of Congress or at the request of a committee with jurisdiction.
The Bottom Line
The report stated that tracking unresolved recommendations could help Congress identify less responsive agencies and especially difficult issues. However, these are potential oversight uses rather than demonstrated outcomes.
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